1029 Oxford Road, Tilehurst, RG31 6TL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of 1031 Oxford Road and the future occupiers of 1025–1027 Oxford Road in respect of visual dominance and privacy
• whether the proposed development would provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers in respect of privacy, visual dominance, daylight and sunlight
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety in respect of whether adequate parking and turning would be provided and the free flow of traffic
• whether the proposed flats would adequately contribute to meeting identified housing needs in the area
• whether the proposed development would make adequate provision for affordable housing

What decided it

The substantial and long-lasting harm to the character and appearance of the area and to the living conditions of existing and future occupiers, which conflicts with Policies CC7 and CC8 of the development plan and Policies DP3, P3 and L2 of the Framework, could not be substantially outweighed by the benefits of housing delivery and efficient use of previously developed land.

The benefits of housing delivery (substantial weight), efficient use of previously developed land and increased density (significant weight), and economic benefits of construction were substantially outweighed by the substantial and long-lasting harms to character and appearance and living conditions (significant weight), resulting in dismissal.